Celtic vs Ajax preview - De Boer hoping third time's a charm

Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2013 by PA

Ajax coach Frank de Boer is aiming for third time lucky when his side takes on Celtic in the Champions League.

The Dutchman was twice on the losing team at Celtic Park in Old Firm derbies during his short spell as a player at Rangers in 2004.

He is now hoping he can come out on top at the venue, this time as a manager, as both clubs aim to kick-start their respective European campaigns.

De Boer said: "Things can change sometimes and hopefully now the luck is on my side tomorrow.

"I remember the great atmosphere and the rivalry between the two clubs. I played against (Henrik) Larsson and he was a real pain in the **** for Rangers at that time!

"The atmosphere is still in my mind. For me, it was a great adventure."

De Boer clearly savoured the intimidating surroundings of Parkhead and expects the same from his players.

He added: "For me, the players have to enjoy the atmosphere.

"When you are young, you want to play in this kind of stadium and this kind of atmosphere. It has to give you more adrenalin in your body to perform better.

"If you're playing worse than your normal level, maybe you're not good enough to play at this level.

"Of course, you can be nervous but when the referee starts the game, you have to get rid of the nerves and enjoy a great stadium and a great pitch."

Celtic sit bottom of Group H on zero points, with Ajax a single point ahead after two games.

De Boer, who will assess the fitness of injury doubt Niklas Moisander at training on Monday night, said: "A draw will maybe be enough because two weeks later we play Celtic at the Amsterdam Arena.

"If we win that game, maybe it would be difficult for Celtic to get third place.

"To lose this game would give Celtic a great advantage so we want to get three points at Celtic Park."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is approaching the match with even greater urgency, saying a home defeat would end his side's hopes of progression.

Asked if this was a must-win game for his players, Lennon said: "No, it's a must not get beat.

"I'm confident with this team that we can perform away from home as well, however, winning this game would put us in a really good position in the group.

"Losing the game would probably end our aspirations for trying to qualify."

With Adam Matthews out for the rest of the year after shoulder surgery and skipper Scott Brown suspended, Lennon was dealt a further selection blow with the news that Kris Commons is out of this match with a hamstring strain suffered in the 1-1 draw against Hibernian.

The Celtic boss said: "We are hoping it's not as bad as a tear but he won't make tomorrow.

"He might make the corresponding game in Amsterdam, though.

"He's been for a scan and we are waiting on confirmation but he's feeling a lot better today."